WARNING. Requires a DML fix, otherwise you will be stuck in the middle of the mission.

It's a big puzzle with mandatory fights and super-hidden levers. Getting through it without a guide - prepare for a lot of PAIN. Add there pretty tight loot goal, some of which is hidden in absurd places... Ugh. Given the size of the map, backtracking and searching for stuff adds extra frustration.

Frankly, I want to compliment this mission for the challenge. Challenge is good. But I felt at times that it's pushing a bit too far in places. Besides, I played 1.1 version, which is easier that the original (hardcore version). The story and readables are fine, but the guy named "Mike" with a Russian accent took me out of it a little. Also, there isn't much to look at, it's quite boxy.

If you're looking for a difficult mission, it's the one.

UPD. Forgot to mention, but I think this mission uses what seems like custom ripples on water, they're solid objects. I don't think I saw anything like this before.

Why not to suggest DML info in the notes section?

How to do that: Go back to the FM page -> Click "Suggest changes" -> Click pen icon near "NOTES" section -> Describe in your own words what DML is required and where to find it.

I'll try.

Done :)

But I copied also your "comment" into the notes section.

The "comment" section is designed for providing the source of your suggestion, either link or explanation where you got it. (For reasons to log the history of changes from all users)

Btw. it seems that 1.1 and 1.0 versions are totally different missions.

Here is the changelog from 1.1 version. With our current Thief Guild practices, this qualifies as a "re-release", and I added this as a new FM entry:

https://www.thiefguild.com/fanmissions/78655/the-mages-area-easy-version

Changelog:

This is a simplifyed version of the original level. You have more stuff at the beginning, all undeads become defeatable, some secrets now more obvious, more loot on the stage to complete loot goal. There also a compass available.

I played 1.1 and watched 1.0 playthrough. They're hardly TOTALLY different. Main difference is that some enemies can be defeated (you don't need to sneak past them, but I should say that sneaking is mostly easier and quicker) and there's one forced duel where you need to duel a haunt for a minute straight in the original, but in 1.1 he dies a bit quicker. Everything else is nearly the same, just a bit more palpable.

It's up to you, of course, to keep these releases separate.

Yeah, maybe not "totally" different, but they are completely different from the point of view how one could rate the gameplay.